With the COVID-19 news changing so rapidly, many families are choosing to stay home during this unsettling time. That sounds great in theory, but when you have kids, cabin fever can set in quickly. Here are some ideas for fun at-home activities to help pass the time. Whether the kids want to move, play or eat, you’ll find a few options to stay busy.
Bond in the kitchen. Make a yogurt chocolate cake, pão de queijo or no-bake energy snack balls with these kid-friendly recipes.
Make a winter wonderland. Your kids will get guaranteed snow play with this DIY snow dough from the folks behind Yellow Scope science kits.
Listen up. There are many great podcasts for kids! Podcasts are a great alternative to screen time because they are free, easily accessible and entertaining. Here are some of our favorites.
Be scientists. Turn your kitchen or backyard into a makeshift science lab with these fun (and only mildly messy) experiments from Mad Science Portland.
Feed the birds. Help our wild feathered friends with these cute cookie cutter bird feeders. Kids will love watching the birds flock to their creations.
Get some exercise. Kids needs to burn off energy, even if they are stuck indoors. Practice your downward dog with Cosmic Yoga on YouTube, or try activities on the GoNoodle app.
Hit the library (virtually). Your local library keeps on giving. Through the Multnomah County Library, you can borrow digital library materials like e-books, audiobooks, magazines, music and movies. We use the Libby app to listen to audiobooks (you can search specifically for kids’ books available now.) Other library systems have similar tools available.
Get outside, teach your kids about nature’s pollinators and where their food comes from. Through Rent Mason Bees, you can host mason bees in your backyard and teach kids how their “baby bees” will help farmers make more food. Mason bees are amazing pollinators and kids love to watch these friendly non-stinging bees.
Check the mail. Subscription box services like Kiwi Crate, Raddish Kids and OwlCrate deliver fun and educational activities, including art and science projects, cooking recipes and ingredients, and books. They are great ways to provide entertaining and enriching projects without much prep for you.
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